Gò0dNews for Men
Stand Your Ground
M
by Kyle Blevins
en, as leaders in our families, our businesses,
firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” Even if
churches, or other causes, are often charged
you feel refreshed, this can still be quite the challenge.
with a generalized expectation to “stand firm.”
Unfortunately, even as strong men, we are very reward-
I believe this expectation is a hopeful one where people
driven beings. Even as leaders, there must be some cause
need to have someone to rely on. Most men will stand
for us to fight for ourselves and others. This charge from
up to this challenge, but even in doing so, I have known men in my life who take this to the extreme in both unhealthy, but also inspiring ways. Some have taken that to mean not “feeling” at all, while others have neglected themselves mentally and physically to set out what they aim to do. At the end of the day, that kind of standing firm does well to serve the hidden master of pride, but little to solidify the foundation which would actually carry us through. That is the foundation of faith. As I think about different situations people might expect us to stand firm in, the only one that remains worth standing for is that of spiritual and moral excellence, of faith. If standing your ground doesn’t maintain a level
1 Corinthians 16:13 may need another “boost” and I
of security, of spiritual well-being, or of a sharpened
believe Romans 5:3-5 can give us just that. It reminds
vision for that which you are leading, then not standing
us of all the rewards for fighting through the right
firm is not weakness—it is wisdom. I share that because
thing. “We know that suffering produces perseverance;
I know some men who have tried to cling to every little
perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope
opportunity that comes their way. If they don’t control in
does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been
excellence all that finds its way to them, then they are less
poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who
of a man. I pray today that lie is identified, spoken to, and
has been given to us.”
cast out. Now that we have filtered out what should really be stood for, you should feel renewed energy already
I pray that you are nourished in your spirit today, that you filter down where you wish your excellence to be, and that the Holy Spirit be with you in all you aim to do.
than you realized as you focused on something more special. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on guard. Stand
12 // January 2022
About The Author
about standing firm. Perhaps you have more in the tank Kyle Blevins is a husband and a father of three boys. He enjoys connecting with the world through skateboarding and music. Apart from his day job, he is a freelance writer and aspiring author. You can follow his work at iamredirected.com.
